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Drug interactions

Clindamycin + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel

Severity: Minor

Clindamycin and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel: minor interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Clindamycin is theoretically able to reduce contraceptive hormone exposure by altering gut flora. Studies have not demonstrated a clinically important reduction in contraceptive efficacy.

What this interaction means in plain words

Clindamycin and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.

Clindamycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Theoretical reduction of enterohepatic recirculation of ethinyl estradiol via altered intestinal flora; not established.

What to do

No additional contraception is routinely needed; advise backup contraception only if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
  • Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Clindamycin with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clindamycin and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Clindamycin is theoretically able to reduce contraceptive hormone exposure by altering gut flora. Studies have not demonstrated a clinically important reduction in contraceptive efficacy.

How serious is the interaction between Clindamycin and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?

MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No additional contraception is routinely needed; advise backup contraception only if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.

What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel page.

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